God of all people
God of all people,
we come with hearts heavy from war,
and souls longing for peace.
Bless the footsteps of those who march for justice
and the voices that rise in song and prayer
against violence and hatred.
Let our unity be a witness
that love is stronger than fear,
that faith can be a bridge, not a barrier
and that every human being is sacred in Your sight.
Grant us courage to keep walking and marching,
wisdom to keep speaking,
and compassion to keep reaching across every divide.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.
Amen
People going about every day life in the Gaza Strip.
Credit: Hosny Salah
How are we promoting peace through justice in Israel/Palestine?
The Iona Community hears and seeks to amplify the voices of Palestinian Christians, most recently including:
- A Jerusalem Voice for Justice: an ecumenical witness for equality and a just peace in Palestine/Israel. They have published two important letters: (Easter 2025 and Pentecost 2025)
- Cry for Hope (2020)
- Kairos Palestine Document (2009)
The Iona Community has joined in a range of public campaigns calling for justice in Israel/Palestine. We have signed various letters, including:
- Friends of Sabeel North America – Christians Stand against Forced Displacement and False Doctrines (March 2025)
- Campaign Against Arms Trade- halt all arms transfers to Israel, including the F-35 jets (Feb 2025)
- Christian Aid – ceasefire now (December 2023)
- Christian Aid – call for peace (November 2023)
- Network of Christian Peace Organisations (October 2023)
- Pax Christi open letter to the UN (July 2025)
We welcome:
- the statement from the Quakers, minute 30 of the 2025 Yearly Meeting (26 May 2025)
- the statement of the House of Bishops of the Church of England (22 May 2025)
- the WCC minute on Gaza (15 May 2025)
- The United Methodist Church statement (2025)
How can you respond?
With a situation so vast, against the backdrop of a complex world stage, it is difficult to know how to respond to the devastation in Israel/Palestine and the region. Here are some suggestions of how to learn more, pray faithfully and act wisely.
Learn and Act
We offer the following resources:
- Top Ten Tips Israel Palestine (A5) July 2025
- Advent Advocacy with a list of recommended videos (November 2024)
- Learn, Pray, Act (25 April 2024)
- Israel/Palestine Common Concern Network update (March 2024)
- Common Concern Update (26 October 2023)
- Prayers for Israel/Palestine – Iona Community (October 2023)
- Israel/Palestine public position statement. (July 2023)
Pray
Pray and keep on praying for a just future, when human rights and international law will be observed, for all in Israel/Palestine.
Our Common Concern Network regularly finds inspiration in Sabeel’s Wave of Prayer.
Join Christian Aid’s Prayers for Peace on the 24th of each month. Sign up at their website for more information.
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